Jolly cleared to return to football

SEAHAWKS V PACKERS 1ST

GREEN BAY -- Free agent defensive lineman Johnny Jolly has been cleared to return to football by his doctors after neck surgery. Jolly's agent Jack Bechta tells FOX 11 Jolly's doctors in Chicago say the lineman can return to football and is cleared for full contact once training camp starts.

Jolly returned from off-field troubles to play for the Packers in 2013. He appeared in 13 games, registering 11 tackles and one sack before a neck injury ended his season. Multiple reports including ESPN.com report Jolly had fusion surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck.

Jolly remains a free agent. His name plate was removed from his locker in the Packers locker room, though Mike McCarthy has said the door is not closed on a return. The Green Bay Press-Gazette first reporter Jolly had been cleared by doctors.

Jolly was a 6th round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played for Green Bay from 2006-2009 before off-field problems including a codeine-related arrest kept him away from football.